You Can Learn Chinese

John and Jared discuss the all too common situation of pinyin over Chinese characters, something Jared sometimes refer to as the “crippling crutch”. They go into depth on why this is so common, why it is so detrimental, and what to do instead. Guest interview is with Kwadwo [QUĀY.jo] Sampani Kessi, the founder of Elementary Chinese, a popular YouTube and Instagram channel for learning Chinese. He will tell his tale of falling in love with Chinese while in …Paris! And then he takes us on his journey moving past the limitations of the traditional Chinese education system and forging ahead with new ideas on how people can learn. Thanks for listening to our podcast! Please write us a review on Apple Podcasts and we’ll give you a shout out on the podcast! We are also taking questions from our listeners. If you have a question, reach us at feedback@mandarincompanion.com. Follow us on Facebook and catch our latest Chinese learning memes on Instagram Links referenced in this Episode.Pinyin over Characters: The Crippling CrutchThe meme that started it allKwadwo [QUĀY.jo] different sites website, Instagram, and YouTubeMandarin Companion Memes - Instagram See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

John and Jared discuss some of the latest research about how we learn to read in Chinese. This episode is packed with insights that will change the way you think about learning Chinese! You'll also get two raves that will take your Chinese learning up a notch.  Guest interview is with Revuen Lerner, an accomplished Python developer and trainer who began learning Chinese when his work started sending him on business trips to China. He reveals how he squeezes up to eight hours of Chinese practice a week in-between a busy family and work life. And we discover his Chinese-language learning super power - a mindset we can all adopt to learn Chinese faster. Thanks for listening to our podcast! Please write us a review on Apple Podcasts and we’ll give you a shout out on the podcast! We are also taking questions from our listeners. If you have a question, reach us at feedback@mandarincompanion.com. Follow us on Facebook and catch our latest Chinese learning memes on Instagram Links referenced in this Episode.Independent Study Confirms the “Readability” of the Mandarin Companion SeriesThe Routledge Handbook of Chinese Second Language AcquisitionMandarin Companion Book Club CoursesBullet subtitles / Bullet commentary/ 弹幕 (dànmù) Wikipedia, Bilingual ArticlePleco Chinese Dictionary AppMandarin Companion Memes - Instagram See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, John and I talk about the connection between culture and language. Just how important is a grasp of the culture to learn Chinese? In addition to a rant and a rave, we’ve got a new segment about our adventures in China. Gest interview is with Imron Alston. In addition to being an accomplished Chinese learner, he has developed software to assist Chinese learners and is an admin on the popular website Chinese-forums.com. He shares with us insights gained from years of interacting with Chinese learners. Thanks for listening to our podcast! Please write us a review on Apple Podcasts and we’ll give you a shout out on the podcast! We are also taking questions from our listeners. If you have a question, reach us at feedback@mandarincompanion.com. Follow us on Facebook and catch our latest Chinese learning memes on Instagram Links referenced in this Episode. The Sixty-Year Dream Pinyin over Characters: The Crippling Crutch Chinese-Forums.com “Abominable” movie Chinese Text Analyzer Hanzi Grids Pinyinput Imron Alston’s website Mandarin Companion Memes - Instagram See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For this special episode, we are joined by Diane Neubauer as a special guest co-host. Diane is a Chinese teacher who first learned Chinese in college, has spent over a decade in the classroom teaching, and is now pursuing a PhD. Jared, John, and Diane discuss some of the latest trends in learning Chinese, what it’s like to be a Chinese teacher, and touch on some of the aspects between language and culture. This is one insightful show you won’t want to miss. Thanks for listening to our podcast! Please write us a review on Apple Podcasts and we’ll give you a shout out on the podcast! We are also taking questions from our listeners. If you have a question, reach us at feedback@mandarincompanion.com.Follow us on Facebook and catch our latest Chinese learning memes on Instagram Links referenced in this Episode.Movie Talk technique for language learningVideo Channels for Chinese Language LearnersHelloTalk App for chatting with native speakersMeme from Jared’s RaveMandarin Companion Memes - Instagram See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Why are you studying Chinese? It seems that everyone has a different reason, but your reason is critical to your success in learning Chinese. Jared and John discuss the importance of having a reason to learn Chinese and cultivating existing and new motivations. If you don’t have a reason to learn, you wont get far with the language. Guest interview is with Theresa Munford from the UK. She began learning Chinese shortly after the Cultural Revolution in an idealistic time. She provides a perspective that you are unlikely to find anywhere else. As you listen, you’ll be taken back to another time and place where China was waking up to the rest of the world. Thanks for listening to our podcast! Please write us a review on Apple Podcasts and we’ll give you a shout out on the podcast! We are also taking questions from our listeners. If you have a question, reach us at feedback@mandarincompanion.com.Follow us on Facebook and catch our latest Chinese learning memes on Instagram Links referenced in this Episode.Episode #3 With John’s Story of Learning ChineseJared's Cinnamon Roll bakery in Shanghai - CinnaSwirlEpisode #15 Interview with Steven KaufmannRecycling and Garbage Separation PropagandaLearn and write Chinese characters “葡萄” Grape pinyin and strokes with relaxing musicChina’s Cultural Revolution“Chinese Through Poetry” by Archie BarnesMandarin Companion Memes - Instagram See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

How did we get two systems of Chinese characters? John and Jared discuss why we have simplified and traditional characters, how it all came about, and dissect what sometimes can be a controversial subject among the Chinese language community. You’ll learn how to decide which one is best for you to learn. Guest interview is with Phil Crimmins, founder of Mandarin Blueprint. He was pursuing a career as a professional drummer in China when he decided to get serious about learning Chinese. He shares with us the methods he used to help him master Chinese characters. Thanks for listening to our podcast! Please write us a review on Apple Podcasts and we’ll give you a shout out on the podcast! We are also taking questions from our listeners. If you have a question, reach us at feedback@mandarincompanion.com. Follow us on Facebook and catch our latest Chinese learning memes on Instagram Links referenced in this Episode. The Meme that inspired this episode on Facebook or Instagram The Chinese Language: Fact and Fantasy - John DeFrancis Two Chinese Characters: Pinyin Pirate Mandarin Blueprint - Online Chinese Video Courses Mandarin Companion Memes - Instagram See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

There comes a point in every learners language development when there is a gap between their current level and the next level up. It’s a more pronounced gap for intermediate to advanced levels and John and Jared discuss strategies on how to make this leap and keep moving forward. Guest interview is with Rakesh Amaram who started learning Chinese when he began dating a Chinese girl from University. Fast forward years later, he learned Chinese while living in Texas, and he and his girlfriend-turned-wife are bringing up their daughter in a bilingual home. Thanks for listening to our podcast! Please write us a review on Apple Podcasts and we’ll give you a shout out on the podcast! We are also taking questions from our listeners. If you have a question, reach us at feedback@mandarincompanion.com. Follow us on Facebook and catch our latest Chinese learning memes on Instagram Links referenced in this Episode. The Bookshelf Problem - SinoSplice Reading Pain or Reading Gain? Reading at the Right Level My Teacher is a Martian – Breakthrough Level, 150 Character Graded Reader Nüshu (女书), the 19th-Century Chinese Script Only Women Could Write Mandarin Companion Memes - Instagram See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A learner on Reddit expressed his frustration that he can speak, read, and write Chinese but can’t understand spoken Chinese. John and Jared discuss this learners situations, talk about reasons why some learners find themselves in a situation like this, and give practical advice on how to develop your listening skills. Guest interview is with Liz Hanlon who started learning Chinese in high school and today works for a Chinese textbook publisher. Without having spent long periods of time in China, Liz has developed significant Chinese proficiency. Thanks for listening to our podcast! Please write us a review on Apple Podcasts and we’ll give you a shout out on the podcast! We are also taking questions from our listeners. If you have a question, reach us at feedback@mandarincompanion.com or leave us a note on our Facebook page. Links referenced in this Episode. Original Reddit Post of Podcast Topic Emma – Level 1 Chinese Graded Reader How Many Ways are there to Ask Where Are You From in Chinese? - SinoSplice Reddit AMA thread of the author of “English is Stupid” – the topic of Jared’s rant Gaolaoshis Dank Memes - Instagram Mandarin Companion Memes - Instagram See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Have you ever tried to learn grammar? In this episode, John and Jared discuss the best ways to learn grammar and things you should avoid. You’ll find out that much of the traditional methods of learning grammar are just plain out wrong. Special interview with Steven Kaufmann “The Linguist”, a famous polyglot and speaks nearly two dozen languages including Chinese. Steve shares his story of learning Chinese and his thoughts on learning language in general. Prepare for your mind to be blown! This is an interview you won’t want to miss. Please write us a review on Apple Podcasts! We are also taking questions from our listeners. If you have a question, reach us at feedback@mandarincompanion.com or leave us a note on our Facebook page. Links referenced in this Episode. Chinese Grammar Wiki My Teacher is a Martian – Breakthrough Level Chinese Graded Reader Steve Kaufmann Blog LingQ language learning platform CHALK Academy – Active learning for kids See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

How is your pronunciation? In this podcast, John and Jared discuss Chinese pronunciation, common pitfalls, and tips on how to sound even better when you’re speaking Chinese. Learn how to pronounce like a pro! Guest interview is with Shang Zhu Zhang, who at age 7 moved to Canada, learned French and English, and forgot how to speak Mandarin. She will share her journey of how she reconnected with her Chinese roots and finally learned Chinese as an adult. Please write us a review on Apple Podcasts! We are also taking questions from our listeners. If you have a question, reach us at feedback@mandarincompanion.com or leave us a note on our Facebook page. Links referenced in this Episode. Chinese Pronunciation Wiki Yoyo Chinese – Online Chinese Language Courses The Country of the Blind – Level 1 Chinese Graded Reader Short article about Shang Zhu’s story See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.